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Everything. The Tesla Model 3 represents the automaker’s first effort to build an affordable sedan for the mainstream consumer.

Vehicle Summary

The Tesla Model 3 slots below the full-size Model S sedan and three-row Model X crossover. Where the Model S sedan features a rear hatch with available rear jump seats for up to seven passengers, the Model 3 is a traditional five-seat sedan.

Overview

Although Tesla hasn’t divulged full specs about the new Model 3 sedan, the automaker has made a few claims about its more affordable model. Pricing for the Model 3 is said to start at $35,000 before government incentives. In contrast, the base rear-drive Tesla Model S 60 starts around $70,000.

Tesla says the Model 3 sedan will have a 215-mile range and accelerate to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. The five-seat sedan is also said to have been designed to earn a five-star safety rating. Other features include autopilot hardware and the ability to use the company’s supercharger network designed for the Model S.

Inside, the Model 3 features a simplified interior compared to the Model S and Model X vehicles. In production-ready models, expect a large center-mounted horizontal screen replacing both the driver information display and the vertical infotainment screen used in automaker’s current models.

Tesla anticipates a five-star crash test rating, and we expect the automaker to offer lots of active safety tech in conjunction with the automaker’s autopilot hardware.

What We Think

Initial impressions from our Tesla Model 3 First Ride review: “Our Model 3, which was a fairly well-equipped dual-motor version with air suspension and what we think could be a 70 kWh battery pack, shot effortlessly forward when our Tesla minder flattened the accelerator. Despite the fact that our car was loaded down with five people, acceleration was quick, smooth, and quiet. Typical Tesla. While the Model 3 won’t throw you back in your seat like a Model S P90D will, it’s not going to leave drivers wanting for more oomph. Think of the difference in acceleration compared to a Model S like a BMW 328i versus an M3; both are quick, but one feels a bit more so. Handling from the passenger seat felt solid, too. With the center of gravity kept low by the floor-mounted battery pack, there was little if any body roll detectable during our mini-slalom course, but count on Motor Trend for a full, instrumented track test once we can get our hands on a production-spec model.”

2018 Tesla Model 3 News and Reviews

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